Simpler Times

Photo by; Patrick B. Ball

Transport yourself to a simpler time—the late 18th century. It’s spring. Stop for a moment and listen. With a palm to your ear, can you hear the birdsong? As you stroll the gardens, feel the lush lawn beneath your feet, smell the fresh mountain air at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's retreat in Charlottesville, Virginia.

On this beautiful spring morning, we begin with a tour of Jefferson's home. Our docent, dressed in period attire, is a knowledgeable guide and polished presenter. He begins with the story of how Jefferson welcomed his guests in this very entrance hall.

As we make our way through the house, it strikes me that the adults in our tour don’t ask questions. Later that morning, I slip into a group of third-graders. With small hands and arms flailing, the kids barrage the docent: “Did they brush their teeth?” “Why is there dirt here?” “How did they wind the clock?” Questions that adults perhaps considered but were too embarrassed to ask.

The children were a joy to experience. They reminded me of a powerful learning tool—questions! People learn best when they’re engaged in the experience, and when they ask questions. If your students don’t participate, ask them questions. That’s what the docents at Monticello did. It caught people off guard, got them engaged, thinking and talking, and, most of all, having fun!

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